How to write a CV for any job
Not sure which field fits? This general format works for most jobs. Tailor the profile and the first bullets of each role to the job advert.
Build a CVYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Sections to include
| Section (in this order) | How important |
|---|---|
| Profile | Recommended |
| Experience | Expected |
| Education | Expected |
| Skills | Recommended |
Tips
- Not sure which field fits? This general format works for most jobs.
- Tailor the profile and the first bullets of each role to the job advert.
Questions
What should a general CV include?
A general CV needs your contact details, experience and education, and usually profile and skills. Lead with what employers in this field check first, back it up with specific examples, and add anything the advert asks for by name. Not sure which field fits? This general format works for most jobs. The CV Atlas readiness check flags anything this field expects that your CV is missing.
What order should the sections of a general CV be in?
Use this order for a general CV: Profile, Experience, Education and Skills. Put the most important evidence for this field near the top, and list entries within each section with the most recent first. Contact details and your name always come first, in the header. Some countries change the order, for example Japan lists history oldest first, and CV Atlas applies that automatically.
How long should a general CV be?
It depends on the country more than the job. A general CV in the United States should be 1–2 pages; in the United Kingdom, 2 pages; in Australia, 2–4 pages. Keep recent roles detailed and older ones brief, so your strongest evidence sits on the first page. Pick your target country in CV Atlas and it applies the local length and paper size.
How do I make a general CV stand out?
Tailor the profile and the first bullets of each role to the job advert. Be specific: name the systems, settings and results, start each bullet with a verb, and keep it to one line where you can. Show the scale of your work with numbers where it helps. Tailor the first lines of your profile and each role to the job advert.
Country guides
Photo, date of birth, length and paper size change by country. Start with United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Netherlands, or see all 200 countries.
Open the builderYour first CV is free. The builder applies these rules and checks your CV before you download it.
Guidance checked October 2026. General information for most employers, not legal or immigration advice. A job advert’s own instructions always come first. CV Atlas is not affiliated with any regulator or professional body named.